Nalanda Bulletin Published by Nalanda Buddhist Society TM

Issue No. 32 | March 2016 | www.nalanda.org.my For Non-Muslims Only

NBS 1608 BL

An enlightening tour of Borobudur See Pages 18 - 19

Filial piety marks end of Lunar New Year celebrations See Pages 24 - 25

1 Ven. Gunaratana in Borobudur, Indonesia 16 - 17 Training for Dhamma School facilitators 4 Nalanda Free School welcomes teachers and students 18 - 19 An enlightening tour of Borobudur 5 Visit to teachers’ training institute 20 - 21 New Year ‘Open House’ at NEO Centre Sungai Petani 6 - 7 Youths attend meditation retreat 22 Bro. Tan’s Dhamma talk in Indonesia 8 Induction course for parents 23 Volunteer inspired by ‘Pindacāra’ 9 Upbeat first Members’ Day in 2016 24 - 25 Filial piety marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations 10 - 11 Happy indeed is meeting with the wise 26 - 27 Sri Lankan Pāli and Sanskrit scholar monks visit Nalanda 12 Nalanda youths host IPG teacher trainees 28 - 30 News on ‘Wisdom Park’ – Pledge today for a better tomorrow 13 Local Sangha members visit Nalanda Centre 31 Upcoming events in March & April 2016 14 - 15 Dhamma School excursion to foster good friendship 32 Six Well-beings – Physical health | Nalanda Contacts

2 3 Nalanda Free School Principal Sis. Lee and Coordinator Sis. Nandini 4 January welcoming students to their first lesson. 8 January IPG teacher trainees and the visiting Nalanda youths at their first meeting. Nalanda Free School welcomes Visit to teachers’ training institute On Friday 8 January, the Institut Pendidikan We thank IPG Buddhist Society for hosting teachers and students Guru (IPG) Kampus Ilmu Khas Buddhist Nalanda youths with such goodwill. May he new school term for Society invited representatives from our kindled Dhamma friendship continue to Nalanda Free School Nalanda Youth Centre (NYC) to visit them. grow and blossom. (NFS)T in Sri Serdang started Nalanda youths were warmly welcomed by on Monday, 4 January, while the teacher-adviser of IPG Buddhist Society, the Free School in Johor Bahru Bro. Johnny, and several trainee teachers. commenced on 11 January. The purpose of this visit was to foster We would like to extend a spiritual friendship and to forge closer ties warm welcome to all teachers between NYC and IPG Buddhist Society. and students for 2016! During their visit, Nalanda youths ith dedicated and It is regular practice for students at NFS to sit for meditation introduced NYC’s regular activities through Bro. Johnny welcoming Nalanda youths caring volunteer tutors before class to calm their minds and achieve better focus. videos. Bro. Jie Sheng also explained to the IPG campus. Wand facilitators, we aim to Nalanda’s Eight Core Values of Compassion, provide quality teaching to Courage, Respect, Integrity, Service, Faith, help students in their academic Learning and Reflection to the trainees. learning. May the students he youths’ visit was fruitful and IPG supported by these free tuition Buddhist Society reciprocated with classes put in their best efforts theirT own visit to Nalanda Centre the in studies. We wish them a following week. Some of IPG’s trainees even happy and beneficial learning went on a recent Putrajaya Botanical Garden experience throughout the Bright-eyed students listening attentively to their teacher excursion organised by Nalanda Dhamma Bro. Jie Sheng presenting Nalanda publications year at NFS! in their new class. School and the NYC. to the Society’s teacher-adviser Bro. Johnny. 4 5 Group photograph of the teacher, participants, organisers, and volunteers. 9 January Sadhu and well-done everyone! Youths attend meditation retreat Nalanda Youth Centre began its 2016 calendar of events with a one-day meditation retreat on 9 January. 126 youths from Malaysia and overseas gathered for the retreat which was guided by Nalanda founder, Bro Tan. Participants benefited from the spiritually uplifting programme, and agreed that it was a great way to start the Participants doing walking meditation. New Year! alanda Youth Centre would like to thank Bro. Tan for his invaluable Nguidance, as well as the participants for their active involvement. We are grateful to the organising team and volunteers for helping to make this retreat a success. We look forward to having another Dhamma retreat Bro. Tan conducting the one-day D.I.Y. soon. Sadhu anumodana! Youths take time to get to know each other better. meditation retreat at Nalanda Centre.

6 7 Bro. Aggaphala (standing, right) conducting Honorary Secretary Bro. Pee welcoming Nalandians 10 January the first session of the Induction Programme. 10 January to the first Members’ Day in 2016. Induction course for parents Upbeat first Members’ Day in 2016 On Sunday 10 January, parents of newly- The first Nalanda Members’ Day meeting for enrolled Dhamma School students and 2016 was held on Sunday, 10 January. It was new-comers to Nalanda Centre were invited an energetic event as the members were still to attend the first session of ‘Svagatam’ in high spirits after a successful 4th Members’ Induction Programme (SIP). The six-session Convention in Kedah a month ago. course aims to introduce Buddhist values, After the usual round of reports on the Society’s culture and etiquette to its participants. It happenings, Bro. Tan updated members on the also aims to provide essential knowledge on progress of Wisdom Park. This was followed how to live in accordance with Dhamma. by a short video presentation of the recent The first session conducted by Bro. Aggaphala Participants of the ‘Svagatam’ Induction Members’ Convention in Sungai Petani, Bro. Tan updating Nalanda members on the Programme enjoying their first session. progress of Wisdom Park project. Yap focused on Nalanda’s Eight Core Values and a simple ceremony to acknowledge the of Compassion, Courage, Respect, Integrity, contributions of some exemplary Nalandians Service, Faith, Learning and Reflection. Bro. who had done the Society proud by their Yap also spoke about the purpose and benefits selfless service and dedication. of frequenting Buddhist centres. alandians are looking forward to Devotees and parents felt glad to take part in another progressive year in 2016, with this interesting and interactive programme. Nthe implementation of the “Dhamma Family” We thank Bro. Aggaphala for conducting system and the reconstruction of Nalanda the informative first session of SIP, and all House in Sri Serdang. We wish all members, participants for attending the course. Sadhu benefactors, supporters and volunteers the ‘Exemplary Nalandian’ Sis. May receiving anumodana! Lots of sharing and laughter best of health, joy and success. Sadhu! a token of appreciation from Bro. Tan during the group discussion. on behalf of all members. 8 9 Visiting the Buddhist Māha Vihāra in Brickfields and paying respects at the memorial stupa of its late abbot – Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda, who was a contemporary and benefactor of Ven. Gunaratana.

Ven. Gunaratana visiting the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul, KL. 12 January Accompanying him were Ven. Mangala (left) and Bro Tan. Happy indeed is meeting with the wise While sojourning at Nalanda Centre in came to pay their respects to Ven. Gunaratana January, Venerable Sri Pandita Henepola at Nalanda Centre. Meeting with fellow monks Gunaratana took the opportunity to visit the and talking about the Dhamma gave Ven. Buddhist Māha Vihāra in Brickfields, and the Gunaratana immense joy and satisfaction. Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul, Kuala We would like to thank all the venerables Lumpur. Accompanying him were Ven. for their gracious visits and kind hospitality Mangala, Bro. Tan and a few Nalandians. shown to Ven. Gunaratana while he was here Meeting the current abbot of Buddhist Māha Vihāra, Besides the visits, several other venerables also in Malaysia. Ven. K. Dhammaratana.

Bro. Tan briefing Ven. Gunaratana on the proposed extension to the main building of Buddhist Māha Vihāra. Bro. Tan sharing the history of Buddhist Māha Vihāra with Nalandian youths. 10 11 15 January IPG Buddhist Society members and their Nalandian hosts. 22 January The visiting venerables with Nalandians at the library. Nalanda youths host IPG trainees Local Sangha members visit Nalanda On Friday 15 January, seven teacher On Friday 22 January, members trainees from the Institut Pendidikan of the local Sangha Ven. Zhen Guru (IPG) Kampus Ilmu Khas Buddhist Che (振澈法师), Ven. Pu Hui Society visited Nalanda Centre on a (普辉法师), Ven. Pu Ye (普悦 familiarisation tour. The trainees were 法师) and Ven. Shi Di (实谛 accompanied by IPG Buddhist Society’s 法师) came to Nalanda for a visit. teacher-adviser Bro. Johnny Tan, and They were warmly greeted by the lecturer Bro. K. J. Teo. They were hosted by Director of Nalanda Centre Sis. Nalanda youths who received their guests Nandini, who led them on a tour of The venerables exchanging views with warmly and made them feel most welcome. Sis. Sunanda giving a Dhamma sharing the building. Bro. Tan on the development of on the‘Miracle of Education’. Buddhist education in the country. The trainees were taken on a tour of he venerables later met with Nalanda Centre and the Youth Centre. Nalanda founder Bro. Tan The lecturers and trainees also took part in andT they exchanged views on the a chanting session, with Dhamma School development of Buddhism and Director Sis. Sunanda giving a sharing on Buddhist education in Malaysia. the ‘Miracle of Education’. The venerables were impressed by The visit was very fruitful as it the range and standard of Buddhist strengthened the bond between the two educational programmes offered at societies. We thank our guests from IPG Nalanda. We thank the venerables Buddhist Society for their visit and look for their kind visit and offer them forward to seeing them again soon! Bro. Disheng taking the trainees our best wishes. Sadhu! Sis. Nandini giving the venerables a tour on a tour of Nalanda Centre. of Nalanda Centre and the library. 12 13 24 January Team leaders leading their blindfolded members to cross obstacles. Students bonding well on the excursion. Excursion to foster good friendship On Sunday 24 January, 180 students of Nalanda Dhamma School and members of Nalanda Youth Centre went on an enjoyable outing at Putrajaya’s Botanical Gardens. The students spent a glorious day in the open learning the meaning of kalyāna-mittatā (spiritual friendship) through healthy and dynamic outdoor activities. Dhamma School students having an enjoyable time at the Botanical Gardens in Putrajaya. hey were grouped into teams with names such as “Generosity”, “Caring”, T“Forgiving”, “Trustworthy”, and “Sincerity” to help them remember the qualities of a ‘true friend’. Judging from the peals of laughter and beaming smiles, the students and youths really gelled during the fun activities designed to encourage team work, mutual respect and thoughtfulness. any thanks to the organisers and Mfacilitators who took such good care of Collecting recyclables and ensuring that no litter was everyone, besides ensuring effective learning left behind after the event. This is part of Nalanda’s The programme concluded with words and bonding. Sadhu anumodana. environmentally-friendly philosophy and culture. of encouragement by Sis. Sunanda.

14 15 Training for Dhamma School facilitators On Saturday 30 January, Sis Sunanda Ong and Sis. Nandini Tan conducted a special training session for facilitators of Nalanda Dhamma School. In the first part of the training, Dhamma School Director Sis. Sunanda introduced the School programmes for the first semester of 2016 to the facilitators; she also explained that the School’s current focus would be on building good friendship, inculcating Buddhist culture, and achieving family well-being. In the second half of the training session, Nalanda Centre Director Sis. Nandini shared about ways to organise learning programmes more effectively. She also shared on how to optimally use the resources and facilities at Nalanda to run educational activities. The participants learned a lot from the training session as it gave them a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities as Dhamma School facilitators. We thank Sis. Sunanda and Sis. Nandini for conducting this informative training. Sadhu anumodana! 30 January Dhamma School facilitators and youths had a fruitful time attending the training session.

Sis. Nandini explaining how to plan effective learning programmes. Facilitators under training to prepare for Dhamma School's first semester. 16 17 Bro. Tan explaining the meaning of each 1 - 4 February An enlightening tour of Borobudur relief carving at Candi Borobudur.

or four days in early February, Venerable Sri Pandita Henepola Gunaratana and Venerable by the Maharaja of Srivijaya Empire, circa 760 CE. The empire covered Central and West Java, Mangala were invited on a tour of Borobudur and other Buddhist monuments nearby. The Sumatra, and much of the Malay archipelago at that time. The ruling Sailendra Dynasty was tourF was organised by members of Buddhist Fellowship Singapore, and led by Nalanda founder, fervently Buddhist, and sponsored not just the construction of Borobudur, but many other Bro Tan. Under his knowledgeable and masterly narration, those ancient stone monuments in religious sites such as nearby Sewu, Kalasan, Plaosan, and Muara Jambi in Sumatra. Central Java seemed to have come back to life, and one can almost ‘see and feel’ their grandeur The Srivijaya Empire was in close contact with other Buddhist kingdoms throughout Asia, such in their prime! as the Pala Kingdom in India, Tang-Dynasty China, Sri Lanka, and Korea. The dominance of Candi Borobudur is the single largest Buddhist monument in the world. It was commissioned Srivijaya began to wane in the 11th Century, and it was gradually replaced by newer polities.

While in Borobudur, Ven. Gunaratana took the opportunity to visit Vihāra Mendut The small tour group comprising Ven. Gunaratana, Ven. Mangala (right), and met with several Indonesian monks there. Bro. Tan, two Singaporeans and two Indonesians.

18 19 Bro. Tan giving a Dhamma talk at the ‘Open House’ 12 February at NEO Centre Sungai Petani. New Year ‘Open House’ in Kedah On Friday 12 February, Nalanda Sungai After the wonderful talk, first-time visitors Petani Branch organized an “Open House” were shown around NEO Centre, which for the public at NEO Centre Bandar was opened just 7 weeks prior to that. Many Mutiara in conjunction with the Lunar New people were delighted to tour the beautiful Year celebration. Members of the public facility with its functional space and cosy began streaming in continuously when the corners. Everyone then joined in a simple Centre opened at 10am. lunch prepared by Nalandians especially for the occasion. Visitors were warmly welcomed by Nalanda members and invited to participate in esides Bro. Tan, Deputy President Bro. the morning service – with meditation, Charlie, Board Member Sis. Santi, offerings, and Pāli chanting. The highlight PustakaB Nalanda Director Bro. Ananda and of the “Open House” programme was a his family, and several other members from Dhamma talk by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan, Serdang were also present to support the who spoke about the spiritual way of inaugural Nalanda Sungai Petani “Open celebrating New Year. House”. Sadhu anumodana! Branch Chairman Bro. Khaw (standing, left) engaging with first-time visitors to the Centre. 20 21 A group of young volunteers having their photograph with Bro. Tan Nalanda volunteers walk reverentially behind 14 February after his Dhamma talk. 20 February the venerable monks on alms-round. Bro. Tan’s Dhamma talk in Indonesia Volunteer inspired by ‘Pindacāra’ On Sunday 14 February, Bro. Tan gave a Dhamma talk at Vihāra Sanghamitta in Karawang, On Saturday 20 February, three venerable Sri Petaling - Happy Garden - Kuchai Lama about 70km east of Jakarta. He was there as a guest speaker at the invitation of its Abbess, monks from Sentul Sri Lanka Buddhist area, and once on the third Saturday in Seri Venerable Bhikkhunī Ayya Santinī. The talk was attended by 200 devotees, and was held in Temple went on Pindacāra (alms-round) at Kembangan. ThePindacāra programme honour of Venerable Ayya Sīlavatī’s 63rd birthday. Seri Kembangan morning market. Nalanda is meant to educate the community on the volunteers arrived early to prepare for the proper way to support the Sangha; and it also Bro. Tan spoke about “Paticca-Samuppada” – the natural law of dependent arising. The Buddha event and set up an information counter affords the public an opportunity to cultivate had told His disciples that ‘he who sees “Paticca-Samuppada”, sees the Dhamma’. Hence, that there. Their activity aroused much interest generosity. May the merits accrued bring pivotal teaching is often regarded as the ‘essence of the doctrine’. One’s success in gaining among the passers-by who wanted to know happiness to all beings! Sadhu anumodana. liberation therefore rests upon realising this sublime Dhamma. Sadhu! more about the significance ofPindacāra .

Bro. Tan with Ayya Santinī (behind, left), Ayya Sīlavatī (right), First-time volunteer Sis. Siew Lian was and organisers of the Dhamma talk. impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers, who remained high-spirited throughout the event. She was thankful to Nalanda and the venerable monks for undertaking the Pindacāra programme to enable devotees to practise generosity, which is an important quality the Buddha encouraged for our spiritual development. First-time volunteer Sis. Siew Lian (right) joining Nalanda organises two alms-rounds monthly Sis. May (centre) in explaining the meaning and – once on the first Saturday of the month in significance of ‘Pindacāra’ to market-goers.

22 23 Youths serving tea to teachers to thank them Children respectfully bow to their parents for their blessings and support. in the tea ceremony.

Bro. Tan urged the community A young boy feeding his parents ‘tang yuan’ as a Heart-warming scenes of family togetherness, 21 February to learn about ancient wisdom and wholesome values. gesture of appreciation and gratitude. love and harmony. Act of filial piety marks CNY end The recently-held Chap“ Goh Meh” Junior members of the family expressed celebrations at Nalanda Centre received their appreciation and gratitude in earnest to several mentions in the local press. Malaysia’s their elders. In return, the elders gave their leading Chinese daily Sin Chew Jit Poh blessings and good wishes for the success of (星洲日报) reported the event in its Metro their children and grandchildren. Heart- Edition on Wednesday, 24 February. On warming scenes of family togetherness, love 22 February, the leading English daily The and harmony played out throughout the Star had covered the same activity. ceremony, and not few people present were A 'fun quiz' to strengthen family bonding. A happy mother and her children beaming with joy. moved to tears. The focus of these two press reports was the meaningful way in which “Chap Goh In his talk before the ceremony, Nalanda was guided by wholesome values. To read the Sin Chew Jit Poh report, click Meh” was observed by Nalandians. Instead founder Bro. Tan warned of the dangers http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/ Bro. Tan also said that a purely materialistic of indulging in frivolous material things of the increasingly materialistic lifestyle node/405537 way of life is ultimately unsatisfying and such as food and entertainment, Nalanda of Malaysian Chinese community, where For the report in The Star, please visit ‘empty’. A more satisfying way of living is by Dhamma School had organised a traditional traditional occasions are celebrated with http://www.thestar.com.my/news/ ‘tea-offering’ ceremony for children and meaningless and immoderate sensual balancing material pursuits with spiritual nation/2016/02/ 22/filial-piety-marks-cny- grandchildren to pay respect to their elders indulgence. He urged the community to growth – leading to a balanced personality end-traditional-ceremony-teaches-children- in the family. learn about ancient wisdom, where tradition who lives wisely, modestly, and moderately. true-meaning-of-celebration/

24 25 The visiting venerable guests from Sri Lanka with Bro. Tan and 2222 February February The visiting scholarNalanda monks youths. with Bro. Tan and Nalanda youths. Sri Lankan scholars visit Nalanda On Monday 22 February, a group of scholarly Bro. Tan praised the venerable monks Sangha members came for a familiarisation for inspiring the community with their visit to Nalanda Centre. The monks were vast learning and strict discipline. He among the best throughout Sri Lanka in mentioned that the standard of Buddhist Pāli, Sanskrit and Sinhalese languages, scholarship has declined over the decades having excelled in national Buddhist exams as fewer monks bother to take up long years and obtained the first three places in those of serious studies. Still, it is important that subjects. enough monks master the Pāli and Sanskrit languages as well as scriptures to preserve Nalanda founder Bro. Tan and Nalandians the proper understanding of Buddhism. warmly welcomed the guests and showed them around the Centre. The venerable In addition, Bro. Tan said that mastering monks were keen to learn more about English and other modern languages is vital Nalanda’s educational programmes and for monks to spread the teachings beyond community projects. This led to a fruitful Sri Lanka. He thank our guests for their exchange of ideas between the Sangha kind visit, and wish them all the best in their members and Nalandians. future endeavours. Sadhu. The venerable monks offering blessings in the Shrine Hall.

26 27 A truly welcoming sight as one approaches ‘Wisdom Park’ - with its lush green 18 February Bro. Tan chairing the 6th meeting of WPDC at Nalanda Centre. surroundings having a soothing effect on our bodies and minds. Wisdom Park Committee Meeting The Wisdom Park Development Committee biospheres that are cooling and attractive to (WPDC) held its 6th meeting on Thursday, birdlife. Members of WPDC and Nalanda 18 February to continue discussions on officers routinely visit the site to conduct building the educational facility. The surveys and to ensure its cleanliness. Committee is looking into the optimal The WPDC is entrusted to prepare a ‘Master use of land while maintaining a sense of Plan’ for the long-term development of spaciousness in the park. Wisdom Park, as well as to get the site ready Wisdom Park will be developed along the for construction. The first phase of physical principle of nature conservation. Native development covering six acres is scheduled forest trees will be planted to create micro- to begin in 2018, and completed by 2020.

The access to the future ‘Wisdom Park’ is a scenic drive along a river with clean flowing water from the verdant hills upstream. It is wonderful to see such landscape – less than an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Mature fruit trees are found on the slopes of ‘Wisdom Park’, providing both shade and natural attraction to visitors.

28 29 Wisdom Park 智慧园 Upcoming Events March - April 2016 综合教育园林 Building an integrated holistic education facility for the community. 05 Pindacāra – Alms-round by Sangha members NEO Centre KL / MAR at the morning markets in Sri Petaling & Sri Petaling market / Happy Happy Garden Garden Act now for a brighter future! 3rd Annual General Meeting of NEO Centre SP Nalanda Buddhist Society is currently developing ‘Wisdom Park’, an integrated educational Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch facility located in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor. The spacious, 26-acre educational hub will * BPS 201 − Buddhist Studies in Mandarin Nalanda Centre be well equipped to provide excellent training programmes aimed at transmitting Buddhist Intermediate Level, Session 1 knowledge, skills, values and culture for all to benefit. 06 3rd Annual General Meeting of NEO Centre KL We humbly invite you to participate and share in this noble mission to provide holistic Nalanda Kuala Lumpur Branch Buddhist education which will enable countless people to experience joy and inner peace 3rd Annual General Meeting of NEO Centre JB through the learning of Dhamma. Be part of this worthy cause by donating towards the land Nalanda Johor Bahru Branch purchase at RM2.50 per square foot. 12 * BPS 201 − Buddhist Studies in Mandarin Nalanda Centre We thank you for your kind support in creating a better Intermediate Level, Session 2 and brighter future for the community. 13 13th Annual General Meeting of Nalanda Centre Donations of any amount may be banked into Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia Maybank account 5121-4702-3622 in benefit of 18 - 20 * Dhamma-Living Camp 2016 Chin Swee Caves Temple, “Nalanda Buddhist Society”. Genting Highlands Let us build ‘Wisdom Park’ together! 26 Career & Education Workshop Nalanda Centre Dhamma * BPS 201 − Buddhist Studies in Mandarin Nalanda Centre Living Camp Intermediate Level, Session 3 2016 27 * BPS 033 − Buddhist Devotional Practice S1 Nalanda Centre

02 Pindacāra – Alms-round by Sangha members NEO Centre KL / 今日的奉献 - 成就明日的美好 ! APR at the morning markets in Taman OUG & Taman OUG market / Happy Garden Happy Garden Nalanda 佛教会目前正在雪兰莪新古毛开辟一所综合教育设施，名为“智慧园”。 09 * BPS 201 − Buddhist Studies in Mandarin Nalanda Centre 这个占地 26 英亩的中心将开展各类训练计划，以传播佛教知识、技能、价值观及文 Intermediate Level, Session 4 化为主要宗旨。 10 * BPS 033 − Buddhist Devotional Practice S2 Nalanda Centre 我们借此恳请您携手推动这项计划，广传这项讯息，以助我们一臂之力，传播正法 16 Pindacāra – Alms-round by Sangha members Nalanda Centre / 和全方位佛陀教育，造福广大群众，为众生带来喜乐。 at the morning market in Seri Kembangan Seri Kembangan market

本会感恩您慷慨解囊，与我们携手打造美好的未来。 * BPS 201 − Buddhist Studies in Mandarin Nalanda Centre 您可以随喜捐献任何数目，以线上汇款致 “Nalanda Buddhist Society”, Intermediate Level, Session 5 Maybank 户口号码：5121-4702-3622 17 * BPS 033 − Buddhist Devotional Practice S3 Nalanda Centre 让我们一起来成就《智慧园》吧！感恩万分。 23 * BPS 201 − Buddhist Studies in Mandarin Nalanda Centre Buddhist Intermediate Level, Session 6 Studies in Mandarin 24 * BPS 033 − Buddhist Devotional Practice S4 Nalanda Centre

* Registration is required for these programmes. 30 31 Physical Well-being

Physical well-being entails the ability to get through our daily activities with vigour. Our health has a significant impact on our behaviour. Adopting healthy habits such as having regular and appropriate exercises, and eating a balanced diet - while avoiding destructive habits that result in addiction, obsession and lethargy - will lead to optimal physical wellness. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, slows down the ‘aging’ process, and improves our stamina. Our muscles become more firm and toned, which makes us feel better as well. It improves our flexibility and lessens the chances of injury, while improving our balance and coordination. Exercise is also a key component in weight control for many people. While obesity from overeating is a threat to good health, so is eating too little, or feeding our bodies insufficient nutrition. A balanced diet is the fuel our bodies need to function properly; it keeps our immune system working. This in turn fights off infections and helps us to recover faster from illnesses. Having timely, quality and adequate rest is also crucial to optimal health. We should not be too ‘busy’ all the time and strain ourselves too much, resulting in restlessness or lethargy.

‘Like’ our Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/nalanda.org.my to connect with Nalanda for more Dhamma-rich news, views and articles!

Nalanda Contacts Please visit our website for directions to Nalanda. Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia Nalanda Centre, 3357, Jalan 18/31, Taman Sri Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Tel. No. +603-8938 1500 / 1501 / 1502 Website www.nalanda.org.my E-mail [email protected] Facebook www.facebook.com/nalanda.org.my Nalanda Centre is open from Tuesdays to Sundays : 10am to 10pm, and on Mondays : 5pm to 10pm.

Nalanda Education & Outreach (NEO) Centre, Kuala Lumpur 524 A, 1st Floor, Jalan Riang 12, Taman Gembira, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. Tel. No. +603-7971 7151 E-mail [email protected] NEO Centre KL is open every first Saturday of the month from 7.30am to 5.00pm, and every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.

Nalanda Education & Outreach (NEO) Centre, Johor Bahru 30, Jalan Dedap 26, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. Tel. No. +607-350 3870 E-mail [email protected] NEO Centre JB is open on Sundays : 9am to 3pm, Mondays to Wednesdays : 7pm to 10pm, and on New-moon / Full-moon weekdays : 8pm to 10pm.

Nalanda Education & Outreach (NEO) Centre, Sungai Petani 210, Jalan Bandar Mutiara 2/2, Bandar Mutiara, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. E-mail [email protected] NEO Centre SP is open on Fridays : 7pm to 9pm, and on Saturdays : 9am to 12pm.